Somatoform Disorders

Including: Physical symptoms for which there are no demonstrable organic findings or known physiological mechanisms.

In order to be granted Social Security Disability or SSI benefits, the Somatoform Disorders must be affecting the claimant to the point that he or she would not be able to do any kind of work. Consider if there are any jobs that this person could reasonably take on without needing additional help or special treatment from the employer. Medical treatment will be almost essential to any Somatoform Disorders claim for Social Security disability benefits or SSI.

When a disability claim for mental Somatoform Disorders is reviewed, Social Security will want to know if medication has been taken regularly, if there have been disturbances to vision, speech, hearing, use of a limb, movement and its control, or unrealistic interpretation of physical signs or sensations associated with the preoccupation or belief that one has a serious disease or injury, and restriction of activities of daily living, difficulty maintaining social functioning, or difficulty maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace. The more of these symptoms that are displayed, and the more severe, the higher the chances are of a social security disability or SSI claim being granted. Generally, Somatoform Disorders claims are not so severe that disability would be granted. But, Somatoform Disorders in combination with other disabilities can make for a strong claim.

As with any disability, your chances of being granted increase if you have consistent medical records of your condition. If you have not seen any doctors within a few months of your application, you may be sent to a doctor who will evaluate your condition. It is best to have your own doctor.

If you are not sure whether or not your claim would qualify for benefits, give us a call. It is always best to get an application in if you are unsure. Some people wait so long that they lose their eligibility for Social Security, and many lose months of benefits for waiting to apply.

The medical listings that describe the criteria for Somatoform Disorders are; 12.06 Somatoform Disorders Related Disorders – Adult.